Isaiah 2:22 - The Day of Reckoning
Put no more trust in man
This phrase serves as a direct admonition against relying on human strength and wisdom. Throughout the Bible, there is a recurring theme that emphasizes the fallibility and limitations of humanity. In the context of Isaiah, the Israelites were often tempted to trust in political alliances and human leaders rather than in God. This warning echoes similar sentiments found in Psalms 118:8-9, which advises that it is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man or princes. The historical context of Isaiah includes the looming threat of Assyrian invasion, which led many to seek security in human alliances rather than divine protection.
who has only the breath in his nostrils
This phrase highlights the frailty and temporary nature of human life. The breath in one's nostrils is a metaphor for life itself, which is given and sustained by God. Genesis 2:7 describes God breathing life into Adam, underscoring that life is a divine gift. The imagery here serves to remind the reader of the transient and dependent nature of human existence. In the cultural context of the ancient Near East, breath was often associated with life force, and its cessation marked death, reinforcing the idea that humans are not self-sufficient.
Of what account is he?
This rhetorical question underscores the insignificance of humans in comparison to the divine. It invites reflection on the futility of placing ultimate trust in human beings who are inherently limited and mortal. This sentiment is echoed in Psalm 144:3-4, where David questions the significance of man, whose days are like a fleeting shadow. Theologically, this points to the necessity of placing trust in God, who is eternal and omnipotent, rather than in fallible human beings. The prophetic context of Isaiah often contrasts the sovereignty of God with the impotence of idols and human leaders, urging a return to faith in God alone.
Persons / Places / Events
1. Isaiah
A major prophet in the Old Testament, Isaiah's ministry spanned the reigns of several kings in Judah. He is known for his prophecies concerning both judgment and redemption.
2. Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel during Isaiah's time. The people of Judah were often admonished by prophets for their reliance on human strength and alliances rather than on God.
3. The People of Judah
The audience of Isaiah's prophecy, who were often tempted to trust in human leaders and foreign alliances instead of God.
Teaching Points
The Futility of Human Reliance
Human beings are limited and transient, as emphasized by the phrase "breath in his nostrils." Trusting in human strength or wisdom is ultimately futile.
The Sovereignty of God
In contrast to human frailty, God is eternal and sovereign. Our trust should be placed in Him, who is unchanging and all-powerful.
The Call to Humility
Recognizing our own limitations should lead us to humility. We are reminded that our worth and strength come from God, not from ourselves or others.
The Importance of Faith
Faith in God should be the foundation of our lives. This faith leads to peace and security, unlike the instability that comes from relying on human means.
Practical Trust in God
In daily life, we should seek God's guidance and wisdom in decisions, rather than solely relying on human advice or understanding.
(22) Cease ye from man . . .--The verse is wanting in some MSS. of the LXX. version, and is rejected by some critics, as of the nature of a marginal comment, and as not in harmony with the context. The first fact is the most weighty argument against it, but is not decisive. The other objection does not count for much. To "cease from man" as well as from "idols" is surely the natural close of the great discourse which had begun with proclaiming that men of all classes and conditions should be brought low. The words "whose breath is in his nostrils" emphasise the frailty of human life (Genesis 2:7; Genesis 7:22; Psalm 146:3-4). Looking to that frailty, the prophet asks, as the psalmist had asked, "What is man? (Psalm 8:1). What is he to be valued at?" If it could be proved that the verse was not Isaiah's, it is at least the reflection of a devout mind in harmony with his.
Verse 22. - Cease ye from man. This verse is regarded by many as a late marginal note, which has accidentally crept into the text (Diestel, Studer, Cheyne). It is omitted in the Septuagint, and interrupts the sequence of Isaiah 3. on Isaiah 2. somewhat awkwardly. If retained, it must be regarded as an appeal to Israel on the part of the prophet to give up their trust in man, whence had flowed all their other errors. Whose breath is in his nostrils; i.e. "whose life is a mere breath; who, if he ceases to breathe, ceases to live." For wherein is he to be accounted of? or, for of what account is he? Surely, of no account at all.
Hebrew
Put no more trust
חִדְל֤וּ (ḥiḏ·lū)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural
Strong's 2308: To be flabby, desist, be lacking, idle
in
מִן־ (min-)
Preposition
Strong's 4480: A part of, from, out of
man,
הָ֣אָדָ֔ם (hā·’ā·ḏām)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 120: Ruddy, a human being
who
אֲשֶׁ֥ר (’ă·šer)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that
has only the breath
נְשָׁמָ֖ה (nə·šā·māh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5397: A puff, wind, angry, vital breath, divine inspiration, intellect, an animal
in his nostrils.
בְּאַפּ֑וֹ (bə·’ap·pōw)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 639: The nose, nostril, the face, a person, ire
Of what
בַמֶּ֥ה (ḇam·meh)
Preposition-b | Interrogative
Strong's 4100: What?, what!, indefinitely what
account
נֶחְשָׁ֖ב (neḥ·šāḇ)
Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 2803: To think, account
is he?
הֽוּא׃ (hū)
Pronoun - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are
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Isaiah 2:22 Catholic BibleOT Prophets: Isaiah 2:22 Stop trusting in man whose breath (Isa Isi Is)